Cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, &amp;c.



6 annual-sum 1.

4 4 o 9800 1 P). RoVwQ Q Qwa how 0 0 PATENTED AUG. 28, 1906.

W. H. DODGE. GAP 0R CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS CANS, 8w.

APPLIOATION FILED 00T.31, 1905.

No. 829,856. PATENTED AUG. 2a, 1906.

. w. H. DODGE. GAP 0R CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, 8w.

APPLICATION FILED 0GT.31, 1905.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

. llii. 10. 'lncoac; I j-n-vcnl'oz No- 829,856. PAI'EKTED AUG. 28,1906.

W. H. DODGE.

GAP 0R CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, &0.

APPLIOATION FILED 001:.31, 1905.

e sums-sum 3.

? i I 5 I iv-M14 c M o 7- We I. ws1 Aq alfopuu mg 'PATENTED AUG. 28, 1906.

W. H. DODGE. GAP 0R CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, & 1.

APPLIOATIOH FILED 00T.31, 1905.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Fig-.10.

{memes S d7 arm "C11 PATENTED AUGKZS, 1906.

W. H. DODGE. CAP 0R. CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, 8w.

APPLIOATION FILE]? 0013.31, 1905.

PATBNTED AUG. 28, 1906.-

, W. H. DODGE. v GAP 0R GLOSURBPOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, 6w.

APPLICATION FILED 0OT.31, 1905.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM DODGE, OF MQNTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

CAP OR CLOSURE FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANSi as.

Patented Aug. 28,1906.

Application filed October 31. 1905. Serial No. 285.265.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM H. DODGE, a

citizen of the United States, and a resident of Montclair, in the county of Essex and State-ofNew Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Caps or Closures for Bottles, Jars, Cans, &c., of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to caps or closures for bottles, jars, cans, and the like.

The object of the invention is to provide a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, and the like which is simple in construction and economical in manufacture.

A further object is to provide a cap or closure of the character referred to from a single piece or sheet of metal.

.A further object is to provide a cap or closure wherein various parts thereof are in one piece or integrally connected together, thereby avoidin the necessity for a'ssem bling such parts by hand.

A further object is to provide an'efflcient hermetically-sealing cap or closure which can be quickly and readily applied to or removed from a bottle, can, jar, or the like.

Other obects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in plan of a blank for a cap or closure embodying the principle of my invention in one of the initial stages of production of such cap or closure. Fig. 2 is a transverse central section of the same; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the blank at another stage of production of the cap or closure. Fig. 4 is a view in front elevation, showing one form of flange-connectingweb to form the loop or fold in accordance with the principles of my invention. Fig. 5 is atop plan view of one form of completed cap or closure embodying the principles of my invention and showing the parts thereof in the positions occupied thereby when the cap or closure is applied to a bottle, can, jar, or the like. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, part broken off, showing the flange-connecting loop or fold flattened down against the side of the flange. Fig. 7 is a view in side elevation, parts in-vertical section, of a form of completed cap or closure embodying the principles of my invention. Fig. 8 is aview in longitudinal section of a bottle, can, jar, or the like, showing the application thereto of a cap or closure embodying the rinciples of my invention. Fig. 9 is a bro on view in side elevation of a bottle, jar, can, or the like, showing the application thereto of a cap or closure constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention, parts being in section to show the crimping or bending of the flange under the rim or shoulder surrounding the mouth of the can, jar, or the. like. Fig. 10 is a view in plan, illustrating the form of sheet from which the cap-blank is made. Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the manner of forming or producing the partially severed or separated contractible portion of the flange. Fig. 12 is a view. similar to Fig. 3, showing a slightly-different construction embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention. Fig. 13 is a broken view in-plan of the form of cap or closure shown in Fig. 12 when the flange portions are contracted. Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the fold or loop flattened or bent down against theside of the flange. Fig. 15 is a view in side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 14. Figs. 16, 17, and 18 are broken detail views showing various shapes and arrangements of the inte ralconnectingweb to form the loop or fol Fig. 19 is a broken view similar to Figs. 3 and 12, showing a modified form of construction embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention and wherein two flangeconnecting webs to form loops or folds are employed. Fig. 20 is a broken view in plan of the construction shown in Fig. 19 and showing the flange portion in contracted position. Fig. 21 is a broken view similar to Fig. 19, showing a plurality of flange-connecting webs and embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention. Fig. 22 is a broken view in plan of the construction shown in Fig. 20 and showing the flange portions in contracted position. Fig. 23 is a broken view in s1de elevation, showing a fold or loop of the" form and design shown in Fig. 22. v

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

ble of being readily, easily, and quickly ap-.

plied to or removed from the mouth of a bottle, can, jar, or the like, while at the same time efficient in hermetically sealing the bot- I tle, jar, can, or the like when applied thereto.

In attaining simplicity of structure it is desirable to avoid employing a plurality 'of parts, in attaining economy in manufacture it is desirable to avoid the necessity for assembling the parts by hand, and in attaining efliciency, rapidity, and ease in the application of the ca or closure to or its removal iroma bottle, jar, can, or thelike it is desirable to provide means whereby, the effective inclosing or surrounding diameter of the cap or closure may be contractible.

It is among the special objects of my pres- .ent invention to accomplish these various purposes and to attain the results stated, and

2 5 1n carrying out my invention I propose to form the cap or closure from a single piece of material, preferably sheet metal, as tin, al-

though I do not desire to be limited or restricted in this regard. In ractice I propose to produce from a sheet or plate of the selected metal or material a portion of sufficient size and of the desired contour to form a blank from which the cap or closure by suitable and proper manipulation is formed. From this piece of material a blank for the cap or closure is produced by suitably stamping, molding, drawing, or otherwise forming the same into substantially cup'sha e. It 1s "obvious that the plate'may be cut cm the sheet ofm'ate- 4o rial and drawn into blank form at one operation, though .it isobvious that my invention is in no wise to be limited or restricted in this res ect.

n order to attain the desired objects had ;5 in view, I propose to provide the cap or closure'with a continuous integral flange, which, however, is contractible in diameter, and in the accomplishment of this result the blank 'for the cap or closure, either before or after drawing the same into proper shape or at the same time therewith,-is punched or otherwise.

sponding to the base or cover of the cap or closure and adapted when the partially-severed portions ofthe flange are contracted for application to a bottle, jar, can, or the like to overlap or lap past the ad acent edge or portion of the base or top of the cap or closure to effect the proper and efficient hermetic ceases sealing action. I propose that the flange of the ca or closure, even though severed or partial y detached at one or more points from the baseor top of the cap or closure, be integrally' continuous throughout, and to this end, while permitting of the contraction of the diameter of the flange in the application of the cap or closure to a bottle, jar, can, or the like or its ready removal therefrom when desired I propose to, connect the portion or portions of the flange of the cap or closure, which is orhave been partially severed or separated from the base or top of the cap or closure, either together or to adjacent parts or portions of the flange with integral web portions, preferably of reduced width or strength, so as to be formed into loops or folds in order to contract the diameter of the flange of the cap or closure in the ap lication'of the same to a bottle, jar, can, or t e like, and which at' the-same time may afford means for readily releasing the'cap or closure from the bottle, j ar,.can; or the like to remove the same.

In the foregoing I have'outlined generally the objects .and purposes of my invention, and in a general way the manner of attaining and accomplishing my objects and purposes;

but it is to e understood that my invention *in its broad and generic scope is not to be limited or restricted in respect to details of construction and operation. While, therefore, I have shown and will now specifically describe various forms and embodiments of my invention, I do not desire to be limited or restricted thereto, as variations therefrom a d changes in the details of construction thereof would readily occur to ersons skilled in the art and still fall within t e spirit and scope of my invention;

Referring to the accompanying drawin s, I have shown at 1 in Fig. 10 a form of ate and of suitable shape or contour adapted for use in the manufacture of a cap or closure em- IIO able material-such as tin, for instanceby punching or otherwise. The plate 1 is shown as oblong in shape, with the ends thereof of circular contour and of equal radius, but not concentric. For a portion of the distance or, length of the sidesof the plate said sides are preferably parallel with each other, or substantially so. the purpose of indicating diameters of the circular end portions of the plate and the distances apart of the centers thereof and the extent of the parallel side portions of the plate. The plate is then formed into a blank or shell for a cap or closure of the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by drawing or otherwise. It will be observed that 'the blank is substantially cup shape, with a base or top portion 3 'and a flange portion 4. If desired, the forming The lines 2 2 are merely for of the blank shown'in Figs. 1 and 2 may he I efiected at the same time the plate 1 is pro:

duced from a sheet of the material or at the same operation therewith. I

In Figs. 3 and 11 I have shown the next step in the operation, which consists in par-' tially severing or separating aportion of the flange 4 from the base or top 3. This may be effected by removing with a punch or otherwise a strip or section from the base or top 3 and along and adjacent to the periphery of such top or base, (indicated by the shaded lines in Figs. 3 and 11.) In practice I prefer that the strip or portion removed from the top or cover 3 should be of somewhat crescent shape, as clearly shown, but leaving a portion 6 of the top cover attached to the severed portion of the flange. It will be observedthat by thus severing or removing a portion of the top or cover portion 3 the flange 4 is left continuous circumferentially, but partially. severed or detached from the top or cover 3. In practice the lines of cut made in the top or cover portion 3 to produce the partially-severed portion above referred,

to is produced in the blank along or adjacent the end portion of the oblong blank, or the portion thereof which is of greatest diameter. and, as inoicated at 7, the cut made in the topor cover portion 3 to produce the partially-severed section is continued for aportion of the length thereof, and near thepoint or end of the out said out extends to the edge or flange 4, so as to enable a portion of the flange to be removed to produce a narrow or suitably shaped or weakened integral connecting-web for connectin the end of the partially-severed portion 0 the flange to the adjacent unsevered or unseparated portion of the flange, as clearly indicated at 8, Fig. 4. This integral connecting-web portion may be of any suitable or convenient shape, and in Figs. 16, 17, and 18 I have shown various forms and arrangements of the integral connecting web portion as illustrative of the various embodiments ofthe principles of my invention.

A cap or closure formed as above described has the flange 4 thereof of larger diameter than the mouth of the bottle, jar, can, or the like to which the cap or the closure is to be applied, and therefore in order to contract the diameter of the inclosing flange of the cap or cover the integral connecting-web ortion 8 of the flange is ormed into a fold or 00p, as clearly indicated at 9,-thus and thereby contracting the flange into substantially circular contour and of the desired diameter to fit closely the mouth of the bottle, jar, or can with the portion 6, overlapping the adjacent edge 3 of the top or cover portion 3 and with the flange portions 4 and 10 encircling or surrounding the neck of the bottle, can, jar,

or the like.

In Fig. 7 I have shown a cap or closure con structed in accordance with my invention and with the flange thereof contracted, and

in Fig. 8 I have shown the cap or closure applied to the'neck or mouth of a bottle, jar, can, or the like, and in Fig. 9 I have shown the edge of the flange crimped or bentunder the shoulder which surrounds the mouth of the bottle, can, jar, or the like. The fold or loo 9 of the integral connecting-web may, if

desired, be bent or folded or flattened down against the side of the flange, asindicated at 9, thereby affording means adapted to be grasped by the fingers for-the easy removal of the cap or closure from the bottle, can, or jar when desired, by merely unbending the fold. If desired and in order to increase the efficiency ofthe cap or closure in effecting a hermetic sealin of the bottle, can, jar, or the like I may emp oy a suitable disk or washer, (indicated at 11, Fig. 7,) preferably of-compressible material and designed to be placed over the mouth of the bottle, jar, can, or the like before the cap or closure is placed thereon or else placed within the cap or closure/ Instead of the integral connecting-web bein formed at only one end of the cut, whic produces the partially-severed portion of the flange, such integral connectin -web portion may be formed at each end 0 such cut, as shownat 7 and 7, Fig. 19, thereby enabling the folds or loops 9 9 to be formed as indicated in Fig. 20.

tion being formed at one or the other, or both, ends of the out said connecting-webportion may be formed intermediate the ends of the cut by suitably cutting out the overlapping portion 6, as indicated at 7 2 in Fig. 12, thereby leaving the overlapping portions 6 and 6 on opposite sides of a connecting-web portion 8,formed in the flange, and which connectingweb portion is integral with the flange and may be formed into a loop, as indicated at 9 in Figs. 13, and 14.

It is obvious that a number of sections of flange may be severed from the base or top 3 of the cap or closure and similarly connected together by integral connecting-web portions, thereby enabling the flange to be properly contracted by forming loops or folds in such connecting-web portions. In Figs. 21 and 22 I have shown a plurality of the partiallysevered portions of the flange produced by the cuts 17 and connected to form a continuous flange by the integral connecting-web portions, which when the various portions of the flange are contracted for application to a bottle, jar, can, or the like are. formed into the loops 15- If desired and in order to enable a cap or closure to be removed with facility Instead of the integral connecting-web por- 1 broken to permit the flange of the cap or cover to expand or to be expanded, whereby the cap or closure may be readilyrcrnoved,

In order toeconomise the material as much as possible, I may,if desired, reduce the width of the cut formed in or the detached portion removed from the base or cap 3 to produce the partially-severed contracti-- the flange and to maintain the portion 6,

which overlaps the severed edge of the top or cover 3, as wide as possible at the ends, thereby insuring the cover of the cut 5 when the cap is completely formed.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I provide an exceedingl simple and efficient cap or closure formed from a single piece and having all the parts thereof integral with each other, wherein the flange which encircles the mouth of the bottle, jar,

can, or the like, to which the cap or cover is to be applied, is continuous and is contractible in diameter, so as to be applied most efficiently, and which can be readily removed by simply loosening or, as in the construction shown in Figs. 17 and 18, by breaking the integral connecting web, which connects adjacent por-, tions of the flange.

As above indicated,it is obvious that many variations and changes in the details of construction and arrangement would readil ocour to persons skilled in the art and stil fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.

,While, therefore, I have shown and described various forms and embodiments of the principles of my invention, I do not desire to be limited or restricted in the broad and generic sense of my invention to the specific details shown and described; but

What I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, formed from a single piece of material and having a continuous partially-separated flange provided with a contractible portion.

2. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, formed from a single piece of material and having a continuous flange, with a slot in the top of the cap to separate the flange for a part of its circumferential length, such separated part of the flange including a foldable web.

3. A cap or closure for bottfes, jars, cans or the like, having a base or top and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, said.

flange being separated from the base or top The prov1' season for ajportion of the circumferential length thereof and including afoldable web.

t. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a base or top provided withv the like, having a base or top provided with a flange formed. integrally therewith, said flange being separated for a portion of its circumferential length from the top or base, the

separated portion of the flange including a foldable integral connecting-web portion.

6. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, havin a top or base and a flange formed integra 1y therewith, said flange be ing separated from the to or base for a portion of the circumferentia length thereof, the

separated contractib 7. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a base or top provided with a flange and connected integrally therewith for a portion of its circumferential length, but separated therefrom for the remaining portion of such length, the separated portion including a reduced foldable connecting-web.

8; A cap'or closure for bottles, jars, cans or thelike, having a base or top provided with a flange formed integrally therewith, said flange being separated from the base or top for a portion of its circumferential length, the separated portion of the flange including an Iportion of the flange including a e connecting-web.

integral ccnnecting-web of less width than the width of the flange.

9. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or cover and a flange formed intergally therewith, said flange being separated from the to or cover for a ortion of its circumferential ength by a slit t ough the top or cover,the separated portion of the flange including afoldable integral connecting-web.

10. Aca or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, aving a top or base provided with a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, said flange being separated from the top or base for a portion of its circumferential length, and means whereby the separated portion of the flange may be contracted.

11. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base provided with a continuous, flange formed integrally therewith, said flange being separated from the top or base fpr a portion of its peripheral length, and means whereby the diameter of said continuous 'flange may be* varied to facilitate the application or removal of the cap or closure.

12. Amp or closure for bottles, jars, cans with a continuous flange, said flange being formed integrally with said top or base, but having a portion thereof separated fromsaid top or base, the flange being of greater circumfer ence than the top or base.

. 13. Acap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, but having a portion thereof separated from said top or base, said flange being of greater circumference than the top or base, and means whereby the flange may be contracted circumferentially.

' 14. Aicap or closure for bottles, jars, can's or the like, having a top or base provided with a flange, formed integrally therewith, said flange having a portion thereof separated from the base or top, the separated portion including an integrally connectingweb adapted to be formed into a fold or loop, to circumferentially contract the flange.

15. A cap (or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or baseprovided with a continuous flange of greater circumference than said top or base, and integrally connected to said top or base for a portion of its circumferential length, saidflange having an integral connecting-web portion adapted to be formed into a loop or foldto circumferentially contract said flange.

16. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, said flange being separated from the top or base for a portion of its circumferential length, the separated portion of the flange having a projecting rim adapted to overlap the adjacent edge of the top or base and means whereby the diameter of said flange may be contracted.

17. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, for a portion of its peripheral length, but separated therefrom for another portion of such length, said flange being of greater circumference than the top or base, the separated portion of the flange having-a lip or rim adapted to overlap or engage over the adjacent edge of thetop or base, and means whereby the flange may be contracted circumferentially.

18. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base provided with a flange, said flange being continuous throughout its length, and having a portion thereof separated from the top or base, said separated portion having a projecting. rim or lip to lap upon the adjacent edge of the top or cover.

19. Amp or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith,

said flange being separated for a portion of its circumferential length from the top or cover, the separated ortion having a projecting lip or rim to ap upon the adjacent edge of the top or base, said separated ortion of the. flange including an integra reduced 'portion forming a connecting-Web adapted .to be folded or looped to circumferentiallycontract said flange.

20. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous flange formed integrally therewith, a portion of said flange being separated therefrom, said separated portion having a projecting lip or rim to engage over the adjacent peripheral edge of the base or top, saidseparated portion of theflange also including an integral foldable portion whereby the diameter of the flange may be contracted.

21. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a base or top provided. with a flange, said flange being integrally connected to the top or base for aportion of its circumferential length, and separated from the top or base by a slit through said top or base for the remaining portion of its circumferential length, the portions of said flange being integrally connected together by a reduced web.

22. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans 7 base by a slit through said top or base, and

means integrally connecting the portions of the flange.

23. A cap or closure for bottles,jars, cans or the like, havingv a top'or base provided with a flange, said flange having a portion thereof formed with the top or base, and having another portion separated from the top or base, the portions of said flange being connected by a contractible integral connecting means.

24. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a base or top provided Ioo with a flange, said flange being integrally connected with the top or base for a portion of its circumferential length, but separated from said top or base for 'the'rernaining por tion of such length, the separated portion of the flange having a projecting lip or rim to engage over the adjacent peripheral edge'of the top or cover, and'an integral foldable connecting-web intermediate said portions of the flange.

25. -A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, including a sealing-disk, a top or base to receive the same, said top or base having a continuous flange integrally connected therewith for a portionof its circumferent'ial length, and separated therefrom for the remaining portion of such length, said flange being of greater circumference than that of the top or cover and disk, and means whereby said flange may be contracted circumferentiallyn I 26-. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, including a sealing-disk, a top or base to receive the same, said top or base having a continuous flange of greater circumference than said top or base, and integrally connected therewith for a portion of its circumferential length, and means whereby said flange may be contracted circumferentially.

27 A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, including a sealing-disk, and a top or base to receive the same, said top or base havin a continuous flange integrally connecte therewith for a portion'of its circumferential length, but separated therefrom for the remaining portion of such length, the

"with a flange formed integrally therewith,

said top or base having a slit or opening formed therethrough to separate said flange sea-ate from the top or base for a portion of its circumferential length, the separated portion of the flange having a foldable integral connecting-web adapted to be formed into a loop or fold to contract the flange circumferentially. 29. A cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base provided with a flange formed integrally therewith, said top or base having a slit or opening formed therethrough and extending along and adjacent to the peripheral edge thereof, but somewhat removed therefrom, to separate said flange from the top or base for a portion of its circumferential-length and to form a lip therein, the separated portion of the flange having an integral foldable connecting-web adapted to be formed into a loo or fold to contract the circumferential lengt of the flange.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, this 20th day of October, A. D. 1905.

WILLIAM H. DODGE.

Witnesses:

CLARENCE PLACE, J. S. SHERBURNE. 

